Nik Aziz says party-hoppers are prepubescent politicians

Kelantan Menteri Besar Nik Abdul Aziz Nik Mat has described party-hopping politicians as those yet to reach political puberty.

He, however, admitted that party-hopping had become the norm in politics, including among PAS leaders, during the early years.

"Puberty isn't just about a child reaching a certain age.

"In politics, there is a puberty stage, too. Those who like to hop parties are those who have yet to reach political puberty," he told reporters after opening the JPM Super Drive

Challenge KB 2010 at the Sultan Muhammad IV Stadium in Kelantan today.

Nik Aziz ( above right ), who is also PAS spiritual leader, was commenting on the decision by Wangsa Maju Member of Parliament (MP) Wee Choo Keong to quit PKR yesterday.

Wee ( left ) quit over disappointment with the party and opposition-led Selangor government's manner of addressing the sand-mining scandal in the state.

The menteri besar, however, refused to elaborate on Wee's decision to become an independent MP.

On a move by PAS to set up a new wing in the party known as PAS Supporters Movement (DHPP), Nik Aziz said it (the wing) was not to sideline DAP from the opposition pact.

"Instead, we are trying to reach out to non-Muslims, via DAP, and our efforts have been fruitful so far, as many non-Muslims, especially the Chinese, can now accept Islam as the basis of PAS' struggle," he said.

DHPP will be launched as the new wing of the party by PAS president Abdul Hadi Awang on May 23.

- Bernama